‘you’ll be glad you chose Summit’,
and to achieve that, every Summit team member aims to provide a real estate service that is second to none. We value relationships. We have maintained a close connection with our community since our first day of operation. Summit has grown with the region through numerous events, sports, cultural and other community-based initiatives, including 5 years as principal sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. While we source an ever-increasing percentage of inquiries from our high-profile, web-based marketing, the vast majority of business is still completed face-to-face with our clients and salespeople.
Summit maintains a simple strategy; we provide our salespeople with the best resources, marketing, training, technology, and management support to achieve the best result possible for every client. Built on a solid foundation of many years of ethical trading, Summit is a member of the NZ Realtors Network - the most successful group of Real Estate companies in New Zealand. Summit has unique advantages; salespeople enjoy the benefits of working in a progressive multi-office environment, no franchise fees sent out of town, and the region’s largest real estate agency.
1992
Established Office at
526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke
2001
Opened Commercial Office
Nelson
2002
Opened Motueka
102 High Street
2006
New Stoke Office opens
506 Main Road Stoke
2009
Opened Summit House Nelson
60 Rutherford Street
2010
Opened Picton Office
56 High Street
2013
New Richmond Office opens
203 Queen Street
2019
New Blenheim Office opens
30 Alfred Street
2026
Property Management Richmond Office Expansion
201-203 Queen Street
Summit understand what makes the Top of the South Island unique, from the majestic bays of the Sounds, the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman, to the vibrant communities of our provincial towns.
Our real difference is our culture and people. Summit’s success is the results of the many outstanding people who have joined us. We have the largest team of qualified, experienced real estate specialists, and we’re well equipped to deal with all facets of real estate. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and working as a team makes Summit the region’s most preferred real estate agency by far.
It’s the support from our local community that we gratefully acknowledge when looking at Summit’s achievements to date and our current position as market leaders. We show our gratitude in very real ways, giving back to our local community.
Whether you're thinking of selling, buying, refinancing, or simply curious about your home's current worth, it's important to understand what truly drives value and why a professional appraisal provides far more insight than a generic online estimate.
Property value is influenced by much more than recent sales figures.
Important facts to consider are the property's individual characteristics, including land size, usability, views, privacy, sun, outdoor living, garaging, condition, presentation, and the quality of any renovations or improvements. Location also remains one of the biggest drivers, with factors such as proximity to Richmond or Nelson, school zones, employment hubs, recreation facilities, transport, and local amenities all affecting buyer demand. Also, surrounding properties, zoning regulations, flood risks, and future development potential can influence how buyers perceive value.
Property value is ultimately determined by how buyers respond to them within the current market.
Buyer enquiries, open home attendance, competing listings, available stock, and market sentiment can all have a direct impact on what a property may achieve at any given time. This is why understanding today's market is just as important as reviewing yesterday's sales results.
Online valuation tools can provide a useful starting point, but they have limitations.
Most rely heavily on publicly available data and historical sales information. While these can generate a quick estimate, they cannot see the property, assess its presentation, understand improvements that have been made, or account for the unique features that often influence a buyer’s decision. They also can’t interpret current buyer behaviour or local market conditions.
A professional appraisal takes a far more comprehensive approach.
An experienced Summit agent physically views the property they are appraising, analyses relevant comparable sales, reviews current competing listings, and combines this information with firsthand knowledge of what buyers are actively seeking in today's market. They understand the subtle differences between streets, neighbourhoods, and property types that can significantly affect value but may be missed by an automated system.
For buyers and sellers alike, market evidence remains the foundation of any credible appraisal.
Recent comparable sales show what purchasers have been willing to pay, while current listings help identify the competition a property may face. However, interpreting this information correctly requires local knowledge and experience. No two properties are the same, and understanding the differences is often what separates an accurate appraisal from an estimate one.
At Summit, we believe homeowners deserve more.
Our appraisals are designed to provide context, explanation, and practical advice, helping clients understand not only what their property may be worth, but why. By combining local expertise, buyer feedback, and proven sales statistics, we provide a realistic picture of your property's position in today's market.
A professional appraisal delivers the insight, accuracy, and confidence needed to make informed property decisions in an ever-changing market, so speak with a local Summit salesperson – we are here to help and guide you through all real estate transactions.
Article by;
Mandy Springer
Richmond Sales Manager
027 544 1109
[email protected]
One question I hear more often from vendors is, “What marketing do you include for free?”
It’s a fair question. Selling a property is expensive enough, particularly in a market where people are conscious of where every dollar is being spent.
But perhaps the better question is: is free marketing actually better marketing?
I don’t believe it is that simple.
Every property is different.
A first home, lifestyle property, waterfront home or development opportunity can all require very different approaches to finding the right buyer.
The purpose of marketing isn’t simply to advertise a property. It is to create attention, reach the right audience, present the property in its best light and generate genuine buyer engagement.
Sometimes that can be achieved through the marketing an agent already provides. Other properties may benefit from professional photography, video, drone imagery, targeted digital advertising or a campaign specifically designed to reach buyers outside Marlborough.
The important thing is that additional marketing should have a purpose.
I don’t believe vendors should spend money simply because an agent has a long list of marketing options. Equally, I don’t believe “free” should automatically be the deciding factor when choosing an agent.
When you are selling one of your biggest assets, I believe the conversation should be about strategy, exposure and results.
Ask your agent: Who are we trying to reach? Why are we using this strategy? How will we know if it is working?
Because the cheapest marketing isn’t necessarily the best value.
The real question isn’t what the marketing costs. It’s what the marketing is designed to achieve.
Article by;
Rob Ilott
Picton Branch Manager
027 345 2806
[email protected]
We’re pleased to share that the 2026 Keir Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament raised $81,904.20 for Nelson Tasman Hospice - surpassing last year's total of $80,827.
This brings the incredible total raised over the past 5 years to $371,904 for Nelson Tasman Hospice.
This tournament continues to be a wonderful way to remember Keir Wilkinson, a much-loved member of the Summit sales team whose energy, character and passion for the game left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. It's fitting that his memory lives on through a day that brings people together for good golf and an even better cause.
Support like this matters more than many realise. Nelson Tasman Hospice currently receives just over half of its operational costs from government funding, leaving a shortfall of more than $4 million that needs to be fundraised every single year. That gap is bridged by the generosity of the community, the Nelson Tasman Hospice Shops, and events just like this one - all going toward ensuring local families have access to free hospice care when they need it most.
Huge thanks to Glyn Delany for once again spearheading this outstanding event. It takes a huge amount of time, planning and coordination to deliver something of this scale.
Massive thanks also to everyone who contributed their time and effort; from planning, sponsorship and admin through to marketing, logistics, fundraising, donations, the auction and support on the day. And a massive thanks to the contributing sponsors, supporters and golfers for making it another great day out on the Nelson Golf Course. It’s greatly appreciated, and a great example of what we can achieve when we pull together for a cause that matters.
Donate today
Opened at 526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke in 1992
Our first issue of the Summit Weekly published in September 2004, this has become an integral part of establishing Summit as the region's most preferred real estate agency.
Across the Top of the South and every corner of our region, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.
Managing thousands of rental properties throughout the top of the South, the region's trusted name in property management saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.
With a team of over 100 strong in 6 locations throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough a friendly Summit branch is likely not too far from where you are.